Fun-loving football fans can pitch in for charity

Newcastle United's title dreams may have been shattered and Sunderland's relegation fears realised but Newcastle's The Gate is to champion spirits across the region with a fun-filled day of `table football' and other football activities for charity.

Newcastle United's title dreams may have been shattered and Sunderland's relegation fears realised but Newcastle's The Gate is to champion spirits across the region with a fun-filled day of `table football' and other football activities for charity.

The Gate, the city's multi-venue entertainment complex, challenged local companies to transform themselves into human table football players as part of Get Stripped Friday, the fundraising day in aid of the Just For Kids charity.

The boot is definitely on the other foot as companies from across the North East tomorrow take to The Gate's outdoor pitch on a giant inflatable for a game of footie, unlike any you've ever seen. Two teams at a time will compete against each other in a frenetic play-off.

It is the first time a human football table has been built in Newcastle. Adam Johnson, centre manager at The Gate, explains: "As part of Get Stripped Friday we're transporting an enormous 40-foot inflatable Human Football into The Gate.

"This fantastic game pits two teams against each other in a seven-a-side epic. This is going to be the biggest battle Newcastle has ever seen. "We've got Firemen vs Policemen, Accountants vs Lawyers, Bar Staff vs Managerial Staff. We need as many teams as possible to participate so we can raise as much money as we can.

"Newcastle has got to be the most passionate city in the world when it comes to football so there can be no better way to raise money for Just For Kids."

The aim of the charity appeal Just For Kids is to raise money to help local children in need.